On a day of reflection, Sydney's French community look forward to next great turning point

By Cassandra Morgan

July 14, 2018 — 7.16pm

Sydney's French community flocked to La Perouse on Saturday to celebrate a turning point in the French revolution, Bastille Day - and perhaps another monumental occasion on the horizon with the FIFA World Cup final less than two days out.

About 400 people gathered at La Perouse Museum to pay tribute to the original Indigenous occupants of the land, as well as the French navigator after who the area was named.

"In his speech, Sydney's Consul General of France, Mr Nicolas Crozier said that while we know why we're here, we're also here to celebrate our impending victory at the World Cup on Monday night.

"As soon as he said that, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause."

Mr Peters said there was also plenty of speculation about what a World Cup victory could mean for France, after the country won its first and only title in 1998.

There was, however, some tension within his own brigade, who were responsible for conducting the cannon fire to honour the French navigator.

Children paint at Bastille Day celebrations.Credit:James Alcock

"There were two members in the La Brigade Française who were Croation. I said to them that I'm very sorry, but we're going to have to beat you on Monday night," said Mr Peters.

The event, to mark France's national day, also offered a chance for the community to reflect on what Mr Peters calls the "rich tapestry" of our Australian heritage and culture.

"Local families are coming along and trying to unravel the story of Lapérouse and his contribution to Australian heritage," said Mr Peters.

"They're understanding it as a meeting of three cultures, the English, the Indigenous and the French."

Jean François de Galaup, Comte de Lapérouse dissapeared without a trace somewhere off Australia's coast in 1788 - along with two ships and 225 officers, sailors and scientists - while exploring the Pacific.

The mystery continues to boggle the minds of researchers and continues to lure crowds down to the Sydney suburb each year.

"Bastille Day is part of the Australian story. Even though it's a French event, with French people and French members of the diplomatic service, it's the rich tapestry between many groups of people," Mr Peters said.

"In some ways, modern Australia has always been multicultural. It's always been an exchange of different stories and different narratives.

"And us, as reenactors, as Aussies - we're quite priviledged to be able to come down and participate in the order of service."